Take a break during long drives

EASTER holidays are the perfect time to pack up the family for a road trip but motorists should make Driver Reviver stops an essential part of any journey.

Transport Minister Annastacia Palaszczuk said Driver Reviver sites all over Queensland would be up and operating from Good Friday for weary travellers,

“Sadly, fatigue is a serious cause of road crashes – especially at this time of year with so many people on the roads driving long distances,” she said. “Motorists should take a break every two hours to avoid driver fatigue and can check local traffic conditions by phoning 131 940.”

A list of all Driver Reviver stops can be found on the website www.tmr.qld.gov.au, so check it out and plan ahead to work out where you can stop on your journey. The high risk times of day for driver fatigue are between 2pm and 4pm and between 10pm and 6am.

“By stopping at a Driver Reviver site, you can have a cuppa, chat with some local volunteers and stretch your legs,” Ms Palaszczuk said.

The Driver Reviver program is operated by about 2300 volunteers and is nationally supported by Bushells Tea.

Check out these tips on how to carefully plan your trip:

Make sure your vehicle has been serviced and is safe for the road

Get a good night’s sleep and avoid alcohol the night before you head off

Plan your trip to include 15 minute breaks every two hours

Pack and secure objects to ensure no loose items could become projectiles in a crash.